Have you ever thought about what is Norway’s and one of the world’s most important inventions? The answer can be found at the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site (World Heritage Site) Learn how the arc furnace and mineral fertilisers were invented. Immerse yourself in the story of how it both changed Norway and improved the world.
Get into the mindset of those who ploughed new ground and lay the foundations for a new, modern Norway. At the same time they founded both Rjukan and Notodden.
Be enthralled at how Professor Kristian Birkeland (1867—1917) and entrepreneur Sam Eyde (1866—1940)’s innovations took Norway from a poor peasant society to the world’s most modern welfare state.
The World Heritage Centre has two visitor sites, one in Rjukan and one in Notodden. The mineral fertiliser industry started here in Notodden. In the Gnisten section, you will learn about the initial years with development, innovation and a completely new urban community that grew from nothing. This is more than an industrial adventure. It is Norwegian history at its best.
